Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus

Tracy Mckenzie and Myke Hutchings
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Performing Arts

Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus is a podcast about the quiet magic that keeps people going throughout the year. Through humor conversation and stories from the north pole and real life, Santa Tracy and Phineas, Explorer, belonging tradition, joy, and what it means to be truly seen one heartfelt story at a time. With humor as the doorway and heart at the center, Santa Tracy and Phineas discussed wonder grief and the power of chosen family and the beautiful mess of being human proving that laughter love, and meaning belong together. If you have a question or want to share a story, please email at Santaandphineas@gmail.com.

  1. 3d ago

    Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus " Were going to Santa School" Charles W Howard History

    Episode #36 Why does the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School still shape Santas nearly 90 years after it began—and what did Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf learn inside its doors? Santa school is real—and the lessons go far beyond learning how to wear the suit. Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf take you inside the legendary Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, exploring its history, traditions, community, and the philosophy that has helped generations of performers understand that being Santa is about much more than a red suit and a beard. Founded in 1937 by Charles W. Howard, the school was created to elevate the portrayal of Santa Claus and teach performers how to bring authenticity, responsibility, and heart to the role. In this episode, Tracy and Phineus share their own experiences at the school—from the famous singing sessions and hands-on training to toy-making, meeting reindeer, and those unforgettable talks that feel a little like “Santa TED Talks”: moments that leave you inspired, energized, and thinking differently about why you do this work. You’ll hear about: 🎅 The history and legacy of Charles W. Howard and his Santa Claus School 🎄 What actually happens when you attend Santa school ❤️ Why character, kindness, and service matter as much as appearance 🧼 The practical lessons—including hygiene, preparation, and caring for your audience 🤟 Learning sign language to better connect with deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults 📸 Why your behavior while wearing the suit reflects on every Santa who wears one 🦌 The unforgettable experience of getting up close with reindeer 🤝 How the school creates a community for performers who may have spent years doing this work on their own Tracy and Phineus also talk about the school’s living legacy through Tom and Holly Valent, the families who have made Santa a multigenerational tradition, and the wonderfully different Santas and holiday performers who travel from around the world to learn, connect, and grow. But perhaps the biggest lesson has nothing to do with suits, beards, toys, or photographs. It’s about gratitude, generosity, service, and remembering that the magic is never supposed to be about you—it’s about the people you have the privilege of meeting. Whether you’re a seasoned Santa, Mrs. Claus, elf, holiday entertainer, or simply someone fascinated by the people behind Christmas magic, this episode offers a rare look inside a place that has helped shape the Santa tradition for generations. 🎧 Pull up a chair by the fire and join Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf as they share what they learned, what surprised them, and why the lessons of Santa school stay with you long after you leave. Listen now—and discover why becoming a better Santa often starts with becoming a better listener, storyteller, and human being.

  2. Sep 21

    Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus " Snow on the Roof Santa Hair" with Missy Boggs

    Episode 35 Most Santas know that getting that perfect snowy-white beard takes work—but doing it the wrong way can cost you softness, healthy color, and confidence. In this episode, Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf sit down with Missy Boggs, owner of Snow on the Roof Santa Hair in Atlanta, Georgia, to talk about the art—and science—behind creating and maintaining a beautiful Santa-white beard and head of hair. Missy’s journey began when her husband, Doug, became Santa. What started with trial and error eventually led her to consult with chemists, refine her techniques, and build a business serving Santas from across the country. And as Missy explains, getting that camera-ready white isn’t simply about applying bleach. It starts long before the whitening process begins. You’ll discover: 🎅 Why “detoxing” matters — and why properly preparing the beard and hair before bleaching can make such a dramatic difference. 🧴 What may be hiding in your beard — buildup from hard water, styling products, medications, environmental exposure, and even paint can interfere with the whitening process. 💨 Why airbrushing can be a great tool — especially for touch-ups, difficult areas, and creating a more natural-looking finish. ✨ How to care for Santa hair at home — including the routine Missy recommends to help keep hair softer, stronger, and healthier throughout the season. 🚿 Why your water matters — and how filtered water, proper conditioning, and good preparation can dramatically affect your results. Missy also takes us behind the scenes of professional Santa whitening—the long appointments, multiple processing sessions, maintenance, and commitment that can go into achieving that iconic look. If you’ve ever looked at a beautifully white Santa beard and thought it was simply a matter of bleach and good genetics, this conversation may completely change the way you think about Santa hair care. Whether you’re a professional Santa preparing for the season, a stylist working with Santa performers, or simply curious about what goes into creating that classic Christmas look, this episode is packed with practical information you can put to use right away. About Our Guest Missy Boggs is the owner of Snow on the Roof Santa Hair and has trained stylists across the United States in her process. She also shares tips, demonstrations, and tutorials on YouTube to help Santas prepare, protect, and maintain their hair between appointments. 🎄 Fireside Chat with Santa Tracy & Phineus T. Elf Real conversations, practical tips, great stories—and a little North Pole magic. Website": https://snowontheroofsantahair.com/ Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@snowontheroof-l2n?si=foQxEENblnVKqEZq

  3. Sep 14

    Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus " In front the camera PT 3"

    Episode #34 This third installment of their In Front of the Camera series is packed with practical advice for anyone working Santa events, family photos, or character appearances. From getting a room full of people looking at the camera fast, to reading a shy child’s energy, to knowing when to use a parent lap, a throne, or a quick reposition, this conversation is all about creating the best possible moment under real-world pressure. You'll discover:How Phineus “runs interference” to help children settle in quicklyWhy small hands gestures and low tones build trust instantly.The posing choices that make babies, toddlers, and adults look better on cameraHow to avoid awkward hand placement and keep every photo feeling safe and naturalWhy a little whimsy, like sparkles, fairy magic, and bubbles, can transform a nervous child into an excited participantSanta Tracy also shares hard-earned lessons from years of posing at malls, craft markets, and high-volume events, including what to do when there’s no assistant, how to create multiple usable angles, and why chasing the “perfect” photo matters less than creating a memorable experience. Phineus adds his own field-tested techniques for keeping the energy joyful, managing big crowds, and making sure every family leaves with a photo they actually want to keep.If you work with kids, shoot seasonal portraits, perform as Santa, or just want to understand how great candid moments are really made, this episode is a treasure chest of usable ideas. And if you want the full experience, the YouTube version brings the visual magic to life. #SantaTracy #PhineusTheElf #SantaPhotography #SantaTips #HolidayPerformers #ChristmasPhotography #SantaLife #ChristmasMagic #CharacterPerformers #HolidayPhotography

  4. Sep 7

    Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus " Creating you look"

    🎄 PART 2 — CREATING YOUR LOOKEpisode #33 Makeup, Ears, Beard tip & the Finishing Touches That Bring Your Character to Life You’ve found your character—now it’s time to bring them to life! 🎅🧝✨ In Part 2 of our three-part series, Santa Tracy and Phineas T. Elf get into the details that can take your Santa, and elf, from a costume to a believable character. Phineas shares some of the tricks behind his elf transformation, including where to find great elf ears, how to fit and blend them naturally, makeup techniques, and those little details that help create a look that feels uniquely yours. Santa Tracy talks beards and hair—including curling irons, shaping techniques, grooming products, and ways to keep a Santa beard looking great through a long day of appearances. We also talk about simple makeup and skin-tone techniques that can help even out your complexion, reduce shine, add warmth and make you look your best both in person and in front of the camera. And here’s the big takeaway: you don’t need the most expensive products to create a great character. Sometimes a little experimentation, creativity and attention to detail can completely transform your look. 🎅 Beards & hair 🧝 Elf ears & character makeup 💄 Skin-tone evening & finishing products 🔥 Curling irons, styling & grooming 📸 Looking natural on camera ✨ Finding the details that make YOUR character recognizable The costume introduces the character. The details make people believe. 🔥 What’s one trick or product that completely changed your holiday character look? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear it! #FiresideChatWithSantaAndPhineas #SantaTracy #PhineasTheElf #SantaClaus #ChristmasElf #MrsClaus #SantaPerformer #HolidayPerformer #SantaBeard #CharacterMakeup #ElfMakeup #ChristmasMagic

  5. Aug 31

    Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus “Finding your look as Santa, Mrs Claus or an Elf. Part 1"

    Episode 32 The right holiday character outfit can make—or break—the magic. And you don’t need a giant budget to look believable. Santa Tracy and Phineas T. Elf break down how to create a convincing Santa, Mrs. Claus, or elf look that feels authentic, tells a story, and actually works in the real world. If you’ve ever wondered where to start as a holiday performer, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use right away. From thrift-store finds and secondhand treasures to the little details children notice when they’re standing right in front of you, Santa Tracy and Phineas explore how presentation, personality, backstory, and comfort all work together to create trust and wonder. You’ll discover: How to choose a Mrs. Claus style that fits your personality and even your geographyWhy elves have far more wardrobe freedom than most performers realizeWhat’s worth spending money on—and what you can skipHow to build a believable Santa look for under $200Why boots, belts, gloves, and beard care can matter more than flashy costume piecesHow props and small details can help bring your character to lifeSanta Tracy shares practical advice from years of real-world performance experience, including what works in high-volume mall settings and how to choose props that naturally spark conversations with children. Phineas T. Elf brings a character-first approach to costume design, explaining how an elf’s clothing can reflect their specific job at the North Pole—from toy factory worker to kitchen helper to barnhand. Your backstory should help shape your wardrobe, not the other way around. They also talk about finding opportunities through agencies such as Cherry Hill, Hire A Santa, Page Activations, and North Pole Temp Agency, along with the importance of volunteering, learning from other performers, and finding your tribe in the holiday community. Whether you’re a brand-new holiday performer, developing your first character, refreshing a look you’ve worn for years, or simply fascinated by the craft behind Christmas magic, this episode has something for you. Practical. Funny. Affordable. And full of Christmas magic. Because creating a believable character isn’t about having the most expensive costume—it’s about making people believe in the person wearing it. Links Potalay Men's Deluxe Santa Suit 11pc. Christmas Adult Santa Claus Costume https://a.co/d/01TlaEw7 https://planetsanta.com/santafootwearboots/planetsanta-wide-top-santa-claus-boots.html https://www.stuffforsanta.com/product-page/stamped-belt-buckle-5-x6-5 https://www.gloves-online.com/catalog/santa-claus-gloves?srsltid=AfmBOorPfXdNm3E-iCi_EM1E9Aa-I27PPvL3rez8mQNNaiPTS9m9EeHf

  6. Aug 24

    Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus -Mrs Claus, Mother Goose and The Tooth Fairy.

    Mrs. Claus isn’t just “Santa’s wife.” She’s a listener, a storyteller, and sometimes the person kids trust enough to tell their whole heart to. ❤️ Betsy shared something that really stayed with uis: 🎄 Kids don’t need perfect—they need someone who will actually listen. 🎭 A great character starts with a simple question: Who is this person? ✨ Puppets, play, and imagination can turn a simple visit into a memory that lasts for years. And Betsy brings that philosophy to life through her wonderful characters: 🎅 The Spirited Mrs. Claus 🧚 The Spirited Tooth Fairy 📖 The Spirited Mother Goose Each character is more than a costume or a performance. They’re an opportunity to connect, listen, play, and create a world where children can feel safe, seen, heard—and maybe believe in a little more magic. That’s what makes her work with Wandering Drama Company so special. Because sometimes the greatest gift we can give a child isn’t the perfect performance. It’s our attention. ❤️ What would YOU want Mrs. Claus, the Tooth Fairy, or Mother Goose to be like? #WanderingDramaCompany #MrsClaus #TheSpiritedMrsClaus #theSpiritedToothFairy #theSpiritedMotherGoose #ChristmasMagic #TheatreEducation #StorytellingForKids

  7. Aug 17

    Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus ChatGPT didn’t replace the magic.

    🎙️ EPISODE #30! 🎄✨ ChatGPT didn’t replace the magic — it helped us tell better stories. If you create holiday content or perform during the holidays, save this one! We played with a few simple AI prompts and turned them into: 🎄 A full Phineas the Elf origin story 😂 A silly Christmas rhyme 🍪 A cookie disaster that had us laughing out loud But here’s what we learned: The trick isn’t asking AI to do all the work. If you’re new to adding storytelling to your performance, AI can be a great way to get your feet wet — helping you shape an idea, find the right tone, and get the creativity flowing. Then comes the most important ingredient: YOU. Your voice. Your personality. Your experiences. Your heart. ❤️ For Santas, Mrs. Clauses, elves and other holiday performers, that matters. 📸 Keep your photos real. ❤️ Keep your personality real. ✨ Use AI for inspiration, brainstorming and storytelling — not to replace who you are. Because YOU are the magic people connect with. 👇 Want to see some of the actual prompts we used? Comment “STORY” and we’ll share them! 🎅 And if you’re a holiday performer, photographer, entertainer, or a business with a Christmas or holiday connection, we’d love to chat with you — and maybe have you join us around the fire! 🔥🎄 🤖 AI tools: ChatGPT • Claude 📧 Santaandphineus@gmail.com 📸 @fire.side.chat 🎅 Facebook: Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus #FiresideChat #SantaAndPhineus #PhineasTheElf #SantaClaus #ChristmasContent #HolidayPerformers #AIStorytelling #ChristmasMagic #Storytelling #ElfLife

  8. Aug 10

    Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus "The smallest act of kindness can change someone’s entire life"

    Episode 29! The smallest act of kindness can change someone’s entire life. ❤️ Drop a ❤️ if you’ve ever had someone show up at exactly the right moment. A stranger’s hand on your shoulder. A quiet, “I believe in you.” A simple smile that carried you through a difficult day. Kindness doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing. Sometimes the deepest footprints are left by the gentlest steps. Who made a difference in your life without ever realizing it? Share your story below. ❤️ #KindnessMatters #ChristmasSpirit #SantaStories #EverydayKindness #RippleEffect #ChooseKindness

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About

Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus is a podcast about the quiet magic that keeps people going throughout the year. Through humor conversation and stories from the north pole and real life, Santa Tracy and Phineas, Explorer, belonging tradition, joy, and what it means to be truly seen one heartfelt story at a time. With humor as the doorway and heart at the center, Santa Tracy and Phineas discussed wonder grief and the power of chosen family and the beautiful mess of being human proving that laughter love, and meaning belong together. If you have a question or want to share a story, please email at Santaandphineas@gmail.com.

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